Wisconsin Retaining Wall Contractor
For Residential & Commercial Retaining Wall Solutions
For over 20 years, Oberndorfer has designed and installed stunning retaining walls across Southeastern Wisconsin. From intimate garden terraces to large-scale commercial developments, our team of experienced retaining wall contractors has the expertise to handle projects of all sizes. We’ll work closely with you through the entire process, from the initial site assessment to design, engineering and material selection, answering all your questions and offering expert insight along the way. Whether you need to control erosion, create usable space on a slope, or enhance your property's aesthetic appeal, choosing Oberndorfer ensures your retaining wall will be beautiful and built to last. Contact us today!
Get started on your retaining wall – contact us today!
Retaining Wall Hardscape Services
Transform your property's challenging slopes into stunning, functional outdoor spaces with an expertly designed and installed retaining wall. With over two decades of hardscaping expertise, Oberndorfer is the trusted choice for retaining walls that blend superior engineering with artistic design. Enhance your landscape's beauty while maximizing your usable outdoor space with a professionally installed retaining wall from Oberndorfer!
Retaining Wall Design
Our design approach turns complex terrain challenges into opportunities for beautiful landscape features. We consider every aspect of your property to create retaining walls that:
- Match your home's architectural style
- Maximize usable outdoor space
- Incorporate proper drainage systems
- Account for soil composition and pressure
- Complement existing landscaping elements
Our team of retaining wall contractors use premium materials from trusted brands like Unilock and others to ensure long-lasting performance and resilience through Wisconsin's seasonal challenges. Oberndorfer has helped countless Wisconsin property owners reclaim sloped areas while adding significant value to their homes.
Professional Retaining Wall Installation
A properly installed retaining wall demands precise engineering and meticulous installation. At Oberndorfer, we follow a systematic approach to deliver dependable results, starting with a thorough site evaluation, then moving to foundation preparation and finally installation. We take no shortcuts in construction, carefully controlling soil compaction and wall stability at every step. The result is a retaining wall that not only looks beautiful but provides decades of reliable performance and peace of mind.
Driveway Retaining Walls
Add stability and elegance to your driveway with a professionally installed retaining wall. Our driveway retaining wall solutions can help manage water runoff, prevent soil erosion, and create clean sight lines that enhance your property's curb appeal. Trust Oberndorfer to build a durable, attractive wall that protects your driveway investment for years to come.
How much do driveway retaining walls cost?
Driveway retaining walls typically cost between $20-$70 per square face foot installed. A basic 30-foot long, 4-foot high driveway retaining wall averages between $4,000-$10,000. Costs vary based on wall height, materials chosen, site conditions, and drainage needs. Natural stone walls tend to cost 25-40% more than concrete block systems. Complex projects requiring extensive engineering or difficult access may increase costs.
Natural Stone Retaining Wall Cost
The price of a custom retaining wall depends on your preferred design, the desired location of the retaining wall, and the chosen material. Elaborate designs, larger walls, and premium materials will translate to increased costs. Contact Oberndorfer for a quote on your retaining wall.
Types of Retaining Walls
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Gravity retaining walls - Gravity retaining walls rely on the force of gravity exerted by their own weight to counteract the lateral pressure from the soil behind them, thereby preventing any toppling or sliding. These walls are considered the most basic and ancient form of retaining walls and are typically constructed using materials such as masonry, brick, concrete blocks, or cast-in-place concrete.
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Cantilever retaining walls - Cantilever walls are constructed from reinforced concrete and feature an L-shaped or inverted T-shaped foundation. The structure comprises a stem and a base slab (or footing) which is positioned beneath the backfill. By transferring the vertical stress from the soil mass behind the wall onto the base, cantilever walls are able to withstand lateral earth pressure and avoid toppling, resulting in a self-supporting structure.
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Embedded retaining walls - Embedded retaining walls are designed to penetrate deeper into the ground than the excavation, harnessing the passive earth pressure of the underlying soil to counteract the active earth pressure on the wall. To provide further support, internal propping is commonly used, typically from the base slab, ground slab, or any intermediate floor slabs. Alternatively, ground anchors may be installed through the wall to offer additional reinforcement.
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Reinforced soil retaining walls - Mechanically stabilized earth walls, also known as reinforced soil retaining walls, are built by layering geogrids to strengthen the soil and create a stable structure. This method improves the wall's load-bearing capacity and makes it more resistant to differential settlement.
Benefits of Retaining Walls
- Structural Support - A primary function of retaining walls is to prevent soil from moving. This makes retaining walls a crucial safety measure. Depending on the level of support needed, a variety of options are available to choose from.
- Preventing Soil Erosion and Providing Flood Control - Retaining walls offer a significant advantage in preventing soil erosion and movement, particularly around the foundation of your home, which can occur over time.
- Adding Functional Space - A well-built retaining wall is both sturdy and functional, capable of withstanding substantial weight. Once installed, it can effectively hold back earth or water for an extended period with minimal maintenance. They also offer the benefit of creating visually appealing vertical gardens while maximizing space.
- Create beautiful focal point - By incorporating a mix of hardscapes and soft scapes, you can create an engaging and aesthetically pleasing outdoor environment. Whether you're seeking to impress your neighbors or increase the resale value of your property, retaining walls contribute to an attractive and charming overall aesthetic for your home.
Hardscape Contractors Build Beautiful Outdoor Living Areas
Whether you’re just installing a retaining wall or bringing to life an incredible outdoor living area, Oberndorfer is the right choice! We’re experts in the installation of patios, walkways, fire pits, kitchens, and more! We’ll help you elegantly align your landscape and create the backyard oasis of your dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where are retaining walls used?
Retaining walls are frequently installed in locations where additional reinforcement is required to hinder soil from sliding downhill due to erosion.
How many years does a retaining wall last?
The lifespan of a permanent retaining wall can vary between 25 to 100 years depending the materials used, type of soil, and the groundwater conditions.
Can retaining walls be repaired?
Yes, they can be repaired.
What happens when a retaining wall fails?
It can cause the soil behind it to shift and move along with the wall. This movement of the soil can result in harm to any structures that rely on that soil for support.